Custom Fitting using the FlightScope X2 Launch Monitor

A complete picture of performance.

Never before has a technology provided real-time ball-flight and club head analysis with this level of accuracy, consistency and reliability. With the GC2 Smart Camera system + HMT Head Measurement Technology combination, you finally have a solution that delivers the full range of performance – from club head to ball launch – including impact location on the club face.

With our HMT Head Measurement Technology, you have two options for seeing your performance data. Display your swing information on the GC2’s LCD screen for instant viewing, or use our Performance Simulation software to visualize, capture, sort and save your club head performance in real-time with every shot. Then, easily generate reports on critical data such as club head velocity, club paths, and smash factor.

Club Fitting History

Fitting technology is constantly improving. It’s informative to look back at the progression of the machines.

Our first electronic device was Sportek Swing Analyzer. Utilizing overhead lighting, a mat with sensors captured data from the shadow line. Club speed, face angle at setup and impact, and path info. It was impressive at the time. A weight shift platform was available at a latter date, first hydraulic, then a solid state version. WAVI - Weight Analysis Video Interface was ahead of it’s time. Dynamic weight values were displayed in a user friendly formant.

Next for us was Swing Dynamics, using high speed cameras, (1/19,000 sec ) a ball that required a line around the perimeter, aligned carefully. Real ball data - launch angle, speed and spin. Also improved club data. The “3D” version followed, adding angular spin values. It brought good data, but could be a challenge to capture correctly. Many of our customers will remember the black velcro legging frequently required to provide the correct contrast with the ball. This brought more science into fitting than ever before. Now for the shops that were willing to invest, good launch monitors were available.

EDH Flightscope, with phase array radar followed. We were one of their first customers in the US. When new units became available we upgraded. Radar provides info that no camera system can ever provide.

We now use the Flightscope X2 Launch Monitor

The latest version provides a tremendous amount of club and ball data. Features such as Self Leveling Feet, built in target video, wi fi, and outstanding software make it a popular choice throughout the world. There is a user friendly interface with good club description / selection. For teaching and fitting there are screens full of detailed data, displayed in a intuitive format. The speed profile screen provides insight on tempo and may show inefficiencies in the swing. The acceleration profile assists in identifying optimal shaft flex. The visual aspect clearly shows horizontal and vertical path. This helps the client understand one of the contributing factors to excessive backspin - a too steep vertical angle of attack. Horizontal path view clearly shows it’s influence on spin axis / sidespin - and how it effects ball flight.

The angles page opens up 3 revealing 3D views of “Club Delivery”.

The software allows effective club comparison, in a downline view, or ranked by your choice of numerous values.

Many of our customers have been coming for decades, we have seen performance changes together. One of the most frequent issues is lose of distance. Flightscope allows us to maintain an extensive history of the customers sessions. These can be reviewed to compare changes in all data, including club speed and rotation - big factors in distance. The data can also be emailed to the customer. http://www.flightscope.com

Some FlightScope Software Screenshots

IMPACT TAPE NOTES

We like impact tape, it’s quick, clearly shows contact points, accumulates the hits to show a pattern, or lack of. Aids in checking length, determining optimum tee height, and more. It’s convenient to pull off and stick on the fit form. It also visually reveals how forgiving the new equipment is on off center hits. The downside - tape influences spin, more on irons than a driver. The lower spin on a iron reduces the launch angle and the apex of the shot. When spin is not representative all launch data is affected.

FORESIGHT CG2 W/ HMT

We also use Foresight GC2, with HMT - Head Measurement Technology. This is there latest steroscopic camera system. Like Flightscope a compact, portable unit thats convenient to take outdoors. As accurate and complete as the info FlightScope X2 provides it cannot map the face to provide precise impact location. Among all the comprehensive data HMT provides, precise impact location is really cool, - with out impact tape. Contact point shown and real spin and launch values. It also accumulates a pattern to reveal the consistency of center hits for each club.

INFO FROM THE FORESIGHT WEBSITE Reveals a versatile and clever design

True club head analysis - the first of its kind.

Unlike other technologies that derive club head performance from indirect analysis, HMT Head Measurement Technology uses the same proven, camera-based approach to performance analysis found in the GC2. Easily applied position indicators on the club head insure all critical club head data is captured. Every club can be tracked - from lob wedge to driver - and like the GC2, it works on grass or mats, indoors or out.

Incredible accuracy and ease of use.

Developed and tested to the same exacting standards as all Foresight Sports products, our HMT Head Measurement Technology uses stereoscopic cameras in combination with the GC2 to deliver incredibly accurate club head data analysis with each and every shot. Compatible with every GC2 device, our new HMT solution requires only a cable to connect it to the GC2. No additional power is required, and just like the GC2, a green light indicates when the device is ready to capture data.

Comprehensive data at your fingertips.

With our HMT Head Measurement Technology, you have two options for seeing your performance data. Display your swing information on the GC2’s LCD screen for instant viewing, or use our Performance Simulation software to visualize, capture, sort and save your club head performance in real-time with every shot. Then, easily generate reports on critical data such as club head velocity, club paths, and smash factor. Reports can even be emailed from the application.

A complete picture of performance.

Never before has a technology provided real-time ball-flight and club head analysis with this level of accuracy, consistency and reliability. With the GC2 Smart Camera system + HMT Head Measurement Technology combination, you finally have a solution that delivers the full range of performance – from club head to ball launch – including impact location on the club face.

Verifiable Accuracy.

At the heart of the GC2 is a stereoscopic camera system that precisely captures and analyzes ball characteristics at the most critical point of measurement - club impact - to deliver the most

Club Fitting Process

Quite a revolution has transpired since Nick’s time - from hickory shafts to today’s precision shafts, with high C.O.R. titanium club heads. Determining what club specifications and designs would best suit the customer is the main goal. It could mean altering the players own clubs, or having a set custom built to your exact specifications. One of the first steps in establishing which clubs would best suit a customer is gathering data. There are many factors to consider, such as age, handicap, frequency of play, as well as the goals and aspirations of the golfer. For a fee of one hundred fifty dollars per hour by appointment, a client may choose to have their golf swing analyzed using the latest technology. Should a player choose this service, the more consistent the swing the quicker the process.

The next step depends on the customer’s interest. When applicable, the fit of the player’s current equipment will be checked and evaluated. If the fit is off, it can be determined if the clubs can be successfully modified, and if that is practical. When a specific brand of woods or irons is of interest, that model will be used to fit with whenever possible. Another option is to select one of the many demo or fit clubs and begin collecting data and explore brands or models during the process.

The process is more accurate, efficient, educational, and comprehensive than ever. The two Launch monitors run simultaneously, two computers, two displays. There is a simulator / projector, screen set up for more visual feedback. Values are also displayed on the screen. Flightscope and Foresight have powerful apps that offer some cool views the PC software does not offer.

Interchangeable fitting systems continue to improve. The design and ease of use are not equal. Some offer more head weight options, some more lie angles. There is no universal shaft sleeve, each OEM has a unique coupling approach. We have added many of the different optional shafts available. This requires duplicates for each fitting system. These systems provide a more efficient path to the best combination of specifications. The manufacturers that we currently have interchangeable fitting systems for are: Adams, Callaway, Mizuno, Nike, Ping, Taylor Made, Titleist.

There are many commonalities in the process.

All 14 clubs need to be the correct length, and lie angle. All clubs preform best when contact is at the sweet spot - the location that provides the optimum smash factor - the highest yield for your efforts. Seldom is the Driver SS not in the top third and horizontal center. Lower third and centered is the goal with irons. Correct loft an lie will assist greatly in the process. Excluding the putter, and possibly wedges (there are longer and more parallel grips available for wedges) grip size and type should also be consistent.

Driver Fitting

There is no industry standard length for drivers. 45” (Titleist 913’s) to 45.75 (Ping G25, Callaway, some TaylorMade) and a few at 46”. Traditional wooden 1 woods, persimmon or laminated Maple, length was 43”. This was standard men’s driver length until the early 80’s when Gary Adams Pittsburg Persimmon (to become Taylor Made Golf) started to gain popularity. Length progressed to 43.5”, and in 1991 Ely Callaway’s Big Bertha (190cc) metal wood goes to 44”. 1995 finds the Great Big Bertha (290cc) the number 1 wood on all major tours, at 45”, for a new industry standard. Average PGA Tour driver length today is 44.75”. We can help determine the length that provides the highest smash factor for you with our driver fit shafts that range from 41” to the 48” the USGA limit. Shaft Weights in Graphite from 33 to 100 grams, 110 to 124 grams in steel. See how weight effects club speed, feel, tempo, plus ball spin rates.

Shaft flex and bend points vary from very soft and lower, for lots of feel, higher launch and added spin when needed, to heavy with higher bend points for lower spin low launch, and more tempo forgiveness. Torque values from very low to high. Lower torque should reduce excessive back and side spin for the more aggressive quick down move. More torque may add distance and feel for the moderate swing speed smooth tempo swinger. See, and feel the difference in the stock shaft and the latest exotic super premium shafts and compare the ball metrics. Three wood and hybrid shafts are also available in a wide range of lengths and exotics. Isolate variables, compare spin using the same shaft with different heads of the same loft. Identify head versus shaft spin differences.

Irons

The same options apply to iron fitting. Length options from youth sizes to plus 4”. Quickly compare shafts - True Tempers new lighter weight Project X- PXi, the Dynamic Gold series in many versions. Nippon shafts from Modus 120 to the wrap tec 750. KBS steel, C Taper and many more. Graphite shafts from 45 to 115 grams. There is a broader range of feel and performance within this group than most imagine. Spin can vary enough to have a noticeable effect on launch angle. We can quickly switch heads with different lie angles to demonstrate how lie effects ball flight, and to find the correct angle. Once spec recommendations are narrowed down - correct shaft, length, lie - it’s easy to compare iron models.

It might be fun to hit and compare numerous models, for most time and energy level constraints mean it’s usually best to limit the choice to 3 to 6 versions. Some may hit more and break the fitting process into two sessions. Woods one visit, irons and maybe check the putter at another time.

See all performance differences from one model to another - Mizuno 825P vs 825 vs Ping G25 vs AP2 714. There is no limit to comparison options. It could be shafts, lie angle, spin, smash factor, or launch angle. It also opens the exotic shaft treasure chest. The fit is an optimization process. As the player is hitting balls into a net, data is collected with each swing. Flightscope / HMT will measure; distance and deviation from the target line, launch angle, apex of trajectory, ball speed and spin rate, spin axis, club speed, face angle at impact, dynamic loft, club path and more. Based on the results of this information, a determination is made as to what specifications will provide the best fit. Foresight CG2 / HMT compliments the info package with it’s own data set.

There are many variables and options to consider in the process. All need to be judged and analyzed by a professional. In general that means: a determination of the length, and all other specs combined that provides the best ball metrics, - (achieves the goal launch / spin) a high percentage of center hits. Looks, feel, and sound should not be discounted. Proper lie angle, correct grip size and type are all critical parts of the fit. Numerous drivers, have balance and face angle options. Depending on the model FW’s and HB’s -Titleist 913’s - have the same features D, FW, and HB with the Titleist 912 series, face and lie angle is another important variable to optimize.

Shaft Fitting

Shaft material, stiffness, torque and flex point are matched to the customers speed, tempo. In addition, the loft angle that provides optimized launch angle and which balls provide the goal spin rate within the performance range of the customer can be determined. Depending on the customer’s level of interest, there could be discussions on shaft variables that include material, weight, flex point, and feel.

There are many varieties of steel shafts manufactured by True Temper- with by far the largest range of steel and graphite product. Including the Dynamic Series, the number one iron shaft on the PGA Tour. Nippon Steel is another high quality manufacturer with great feel and performance. There are many outstanding graphite shaft options as well including: Fujikura, MRC (Mitsubushi Rayon Corp), Graphite Design, Aldila, Oban, MCC (Matrix Composite Corporation), UST, Graffaloy, and more. Weights from 38 to 110 grams, low to high torque, low to high flex points, standard to large butt diameters, with a price range of $45 to $600 per reshaft. Head design, including material, size, offset, appearance, and limiting fit options, may also be discussed. Each grip size offers options in material, style, weight, and feel. Round or rib, traditional taper or more parallel, full cord, half cord, and now one quarter cord, etc.

How Can We Help

The biggest challenge to the consumer is sorting through all the options available to end up with the best combination of the components that are in a club. A knowledgeable club fitter will help narrow down the options to the most relevant, and know the custom capabilities of the various manufactures. This will allow only clubs that can be built to the recommended specifications to be considered.

With all the good options available, there is no reason for the player to compromise the fit to get a particular model. Rene keeps complete records of the patron’s golf profile.

When all these details are determined—if a customer wants a new customized set of irons, these specifications are sent to the company and usually within a week or less, the set will have been built. Custom orders such as .75” over length, 2 degrees strong loft, 4 degrees upright, Rifle tour flighted 6.0 shaft, D-5 swing weight and a midsize tour wrap cord grip would not be uncommon.

Putter Fitting

Putter fitting is not something many golfers consider. Our Putter Fitting Studio is the latest addition to our facility. Three 28’ long laminated beams, notched into the foundation, support and provide a stable platform for the room. This was the start to a very level near break free putting surface. Digital cameras with V1 Pro help analyze posture , eye line and more. S.A.M. - Science and Motion Putter System provides a tremendous data profile of the Putting Stroke.

A five axis self leveling line laser is used to insure the cameras and putting zone are perfectly aligned. A laser alignment putter is used to check target alignment, are we aiming where we think we are aiming? If there is a consistent right or left bias, certain putter designs could help very much. Putter path can be checked to identify if you are straight back down or small or large arc. Path influences head design, the center shafted face balanced model for straight back and down path.

For an arc path the smaller the radius, the more toe down the recommendation. Acceleration rate is also checked, it’s crucial to accelerate through the putt to maintain face angle. Face angle at set up and impact are checked, delta angle goal is below one degree. The newest high speed video camera (up to 1000 FPS) provides all the detail we need to check roll quality.

This determines what loft is required to launch the ball correctly. There needs to be enough loft to get the ball out of the slight depression it settles into, and not too much to cause a hop and bounce. This also shows skid details, the shorter the skid the truer the roll. Skid values between insert materials, or no insert can be evaluated. Our “Green Machine” robotic putting device eliminates the variable of the stroke to test putters effectively. Counter Balance Weights, from Balance Certified Golf may be advised, they provide an element of stability and add release that many customers find helpful.

Other Services

In addition to this custom fit service, clubs can be regripped (many different grips in stock), shafts changed (most popular ones in stock), metal woods and irons refinished. Lie and loft on irons and putters are checked and adjusted on the premises as well. There is a large selection of new and used clubs in stock. We also take major brand sellable trade-ins if a purchase is made here.